Reflecting on 2024: Happenings at Hope
January - March Highlights
As we reflect on the beginning of 2024, this year started with something new for Hope. The launch of Hope's free app! The app allows for easy access to past sermon messages, upcoming events, helpful resources, and much more. It has been a wonderful tool this past year to stay connected to our church family and community. If you haven't downloaded our app, follow this link to learn more Hope App.
February and March were highlighted by our Midweek Lenten services and suppers. We gathered together over delicious, themed meals that brought warmth and fellowship to our week.
Our teens started to prepare for their WELS Youth Rally trip in Fort Collins, Co in June with a brunch fundraiser. They served a delicious brunch after worship, generously supported by the congregation. It was inspiring to see the energy and enthusiasm from our youth as they worked to fund their trip and grow in faith.
As March came to a close, we celebrated Holy week and one of the most special events of the year—our Easter service. We were reminded through the resurrection of Jesus, that he alone takes our sins away so that we may no longer be burdened by their weight. The children of Hope shared this message and their faith with the congregation with a special song during service. Following the worship, we enjoyed a wonderful Easter brunch, lovingly prepared by the men of Hope. The celebration continued with a festive egg hunt for the children. We were filled with joy seeing all our friends, family, members, and guests at this special celebration.
February and March were highlighted by our Midweek Lenten services and suppers. We gathered together over delicious, themed meals that brought warmth and fellowship to our week.
Our teens started to prepare for their WELS Youth Rally trip in Fort Collins, Co in June with a brunch fundraiser. They served a delicious brunch after worship, generously supported by the congregation. It was inspiring to see the energy and enthusiasm from our youth as they worked to fund their trip and grow in faith.
As March came to a close, we celebrated Holy week and one of the most special events of the year—our Easter service. We were reminded through the resurrection of Jesus, that he alone takes our sins away so that we may no longer be burdened by their weight. The children of Hope shared this message and their faith with the congregation with a special song during service. Following the worship, we enjoyed a wonderful Easter brunch, lovingly prepared by the men of Hope. The celebration continued with a festive egg hunt for the children. We were filled with joy seeing all our friends, family, members, and guests at this special celebration.
April - June Highlights
Spring may have started with a familiar chill here in South Dakota (no surprise there), but it didn’t take long for the weather to warm up. Soon enough, the snow would melt, and we would be walking over to our neighbors at Garden Hills to sing hymns of praise for them.
April and May were busy months as we prepared for one of the highlights of our summer—Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year, our theme was “Miracles of Jesus,” and we were incredibly blessed with so many amazing volunteers who helped make it all happen during our VBS work nights. We couldn't have done it without the generous support from our church family.
Another special moment that we look forward to each year is celebrating Ascension Day. This service is always a joy, with the Hope Men’s Choir singing a beautiful hymn. After worship, we gathered for our annual Ascension Day pie and ice cream social. So many delicious pies were shared, and it was a perfect way to spend time together.
Then, June brought the excitement of VBS week! We were blessed with a fantastic group of volunteers and a wonderful group of campers. It was an incredible week of fun, song, and, most importantly, sharing the good news of Jesus with each child who walked through our doors. We had a great time teaching them about the miracles of Jesus and seeing their faces light up with the love of Christ. If you would like to see more highlights from VBS week follow this link The Miracles of Jesus VBS 2024.
Four women from Hope attended the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society convention in Sioux Falls! LWMS is a nationwide organization of WELS women who support mission work in the US and all around the world with their prayers, encouragement, and offerings.
April and May were busy months as we prepared for one of the highlights of our summer—Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year, our theme was “Miracles of Jesus,” and we were incredibly blessed with so many amazing volunteers who helped make it all happen during our VBS work nights. We couldn't have done it without the generous support from our church family.
Another special moment that we look forward to each year is celebrating Ascension Day. This service is always a joy, with the Hope Men’s Choir singing a beautiful hymn. After worship, we gathered for our annual Ascension Day pie and ice cream social. So many delicious pies were shared, and it was a perfect way to spend time together.
Then, June brought the excitement of VBS week! We were blessed with a fantastic group of volunteers and a wonderful group of campers. It was an incredible week of fun, song, and, most importantly, sharing the good news of Jesus with each child who walked through our doors. We had a great time teaching them about the miracles of Jesus and seeing their faces light up with the love of Christ. If you would like to see more highlights from VBS week follow this link The Miracles of Jesus VBS 2024.
Four women from Hope attended the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society convention in Sioux Falls! LWMS is a nationwide organization of WELS women who support mission work in the US and all around the world with their prayers, encouragement, and offerings.
WELS Youth Rally Highlights
A June highlight that our teens still talk about was their trip to Fort Collins, Colorado, for the WELS Youth Rally, From the Mountaintops in June! This was truly an experience of a lifetime for our teens and their chaperones. They had the opportunity to participate in small group sessions covering a range of meaningful topics. They got creative with their care projects. Most importantly they grew together in faith with 2,800 other young believers from all over the country. At the end of their trip, they enjoyed a thrilling white water rafting trip! What an amazing experience for our Hope Teens!
July - September Highlights
As we look back on the summer months at Hope, we’re filled with gratitude for the many exciting events and opportunities that brought our community together and to grow in faith.
Our Family Bible Studies were well attended this summer, providing a space for families to come together, dive into Scripture, and grow in faith. It was a blessing to see so many of you join us in these studies.
In August, we had the honor of hosting the talented Chris Driesbach, who brought his incredible music and story to Hope. His performance was not only inspiring but also a beautiful reminder of the works God can do in our lives and His redeeming love. Chris’s story and his music touched many hearts, if you would like to hear more about his story and his music, click on the link Chris Driesbach | Official Website.
August is the hottest month here in the Black Hills and one way we beat the heat this summer was hosting Hope's very first Summer Splash party! We invited our neighbors from the Green Acres and Mountain Shadows and surrounding community to join us for a fun-filled afternoon of sprinklers, water play, and popsicles. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with those around us, share in laughter, and enjoy the warmth of summer.
Pastor Schutz traveled to Missoula for the ordination and installation of new missionary Joshua Schroeder. Pastor Schroeder serves the core group in Kalispell, Montana, as they plant a new church. Please pray for Pastor Schroeder, his family, the small group of believers he serves, and the mission of their brand-new congregation.
As the summer heat gave way to cooler September temperatures, our Sunday school teachers were busy preparing for the new year. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and engaging environment for the children to grow in their faith at Hope was a true blessing. We’re grateful for the teachers who have given their time and talents to share the word of God with our youngest members.
Our Family Bible Studies were well attended this summer, providing a space for families to come together, dive into Scripture, and grow in faith. It was a blessing to see so many of you join us in these studies.
In August, we had the honor of hosting the talented Chris Driesbach, who brought his incredible music and story to Hope. His performance was not only inspiring but also a beautiful reminder of the works God can do in our lives and His redeeming love. Chris’s story and his music touched many hearts, if you would like to hear more about his story and his music, click on the link Chris Driesbach | Official Website.
August is the hottest month here in the Black Hills and one way we beat the heat this summer was hosting Hope's very first Summer Splash party! We invited our neighbors from the Green Acres and Mountain Shadows and surrounding community to join us for a fun-filled afternoon of sprinklers, water play, and popsicles. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with those around us, share in laughter, and enjoy the warmth of summer.
Pastor Schutz traveled to Missoula for the ordination and installation of new missionary Joshua Schroeder. Pastor Schroeder serves the core group in Kalispell, Montana, as they plant a new church. Please pray for Pastor Schroeder, his family, the small group of believers he serves, and the mission of their brand-new congregation.
As the summer heat gave way to cooler September temperatures, our Sunday school teachers were busy preparing for the new year. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and engaging environment for the children to grow in their faith at Hope was a true blessing. We’re grateful for the teachers who have given their time and talents to share the word of God with our youngest members.
October - December Highlights
As we close the chapter on another year, we are grateful for the many events and moments that brought us closer to one another and to God.
October was a particularly busy month at Hope, starting with our first Adult Game Night. This has quickly become a beloved monthly tradition where adults come together to enjoy games, snacks, and fellowship. Held on the first Sunday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., our game nights are a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other better and have fun in a relaxed setting. We look forward to many more game nights in 2025.
We also enjoyed our annual hayride and pumpkin carving at Pavel’s Farm. As we rode through the fields with beautiful views of Bear Butte we were reminded of the beauty of God's creation and the blessings of church family. It was a time for fellowship, laughter, and fun for everyone. The children got to pick pumpkins from the Pavel's pumpkin patch to carve and we enjoyed warm drinks and cookies. It was a memorable day for all of us.
Our 3rd Annual Harvest Fest was another big fall highlight. We invited our neighbors and community for a trunk-or-treat, games, a chili feed, a raffle, a photo booth, an apple press, and a hot chocolate bar. The event was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the beautiful weather we had. We are so thankful for everyone who helped make this event possible and for all the families who came out to enjoy this time with us.
We wrapped up October by celebrating Reformation Sunday with our sister congregations in the area. The children sang a beautiful Reformation song, and after the service, we enjoyed a fellowship meal of German fare, including beer brats, German potato salad, mac 'n cheese, and desserts. It was a time of shared worship and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
As November arrived, we turned our hearts toward Thanksgiving. Our annual Thanksgiving meal was a time for our Hope family to gather around the table and give thanks for the fellowship and faith that we share. We shared delicious dishes—turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and desserts.
This time of gratitude also marked a time of preparation for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Our Sunday School children and teachers worked hard to prepare for the Christmas program, which featured a beautiful medley of songs, readings from the book of Luke, and even a bell song. The children’s involvement in this program reminded us all of the true meaning of Christmas and the joy of sharing the story of Jesus’ birth.
The season of Advent was a time for slowing down and reflection even when life felt like it was getting faster and busier with all the Christmas preparations. The Ladies of Hope hosted their annual Advent by Candlelight service, inviting women from surrounding congregations, family, and friends to slow down and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Through carols, readings, and a meal, we focused on the significance of this holy season and took a moment to step away from the busyness of life to truly reflect on the birth of Jesus.
The year came to a close with our Candlelight Christmas Eve service, a beautiful and peaceful evening of carols and scripture readings. The flickering candlelight and familiar songs reminded us that no matter the struggles or hardships we may face in life, Jesus came to this earth for one thing: us. His humble birth, His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection were all for our salvation. The greatest gift of all is God Himself.
October was a particularly busy month at Hope, starting with our first Adult Game Night. This has quickly become a beloved monthly tradition where adults come together to enjoy games, snacks, and fellowship. Held on the first Sunday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., our game nights are a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other better and have fun in a relaxed setting. We look forward to many more game nights in 2025.
We also enjoyed our annual hayride and pumpkin carving at Pavel’s Farm. As we rode through the fields with beautiful views of Bear Butte we were reminded of the beauty of God's creation and the blessings of church family. It was a time for fellowship, laughter, and fun for everyone. The children got to pick pumpkins from the Pavel's pumpkin patch to carve and we enjoyed warm drinks and cookies. It was a memorable day for all of us.
Our 3rd Annual Harvest Fest was another big fall highlight. We invited our neighbors and community for a trunk-or-treat, games, a chili feed, a raffle, a photo booth, an apple press, and a hot chocolate bar. The event was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the beautiful weather we had. We are so thankful for everyone who helped make this event possible and for all the families who came out to enjoy this time with us.
We wrapped up October by celebrating Reformation Sunday with our sister congregations in the area. The children sang a beautiful Reformation song, and after the service, we enjoyed a fellowship meal of German fare, including beer brats, German potato salad, mac 'n cheese, and desserts. It was a time of shared worship and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
As November arrived, we turned our hearts toward Thanksgiving. Our annual Thanksgiving meal was a time for our Hope family to gather around the table and give thanks for the fellowship and faith that we share. We shared delicious dishes—turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and desserts.
This time of gratitude also marked a time of preparation for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Our Sunday School children and teachers worked hard to prepare for the Christmas program, which featured a beautiful medley of songs, readings from the book of Luke, and even a bell song. The children’s involvement in this program reminded us all of the true meaning of Christmas and the joy of sharing the story of Jesus’ birth.
The season of Advent was a time for slowing down and reflection even when life felt like it was getting faster and busier with all the Christmas preparations. The Ladies of Hope hosted their annual Advent by Candlelight service, inviting women from surrounding congregations, family, and friends to slow down and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Through carols, readings, and a meal, we focused on the significance of this holy season and took a moment to step away from the busyness of life to truly reflect on the birth of Jesus.
The year came to a close with our Candlelight Christmas Eve service, a beautiful and peaceful evening of carols and scripture readings. The flickering candlelight and familiar songs reminded us that no matter the struggles or hardships we may face in life, Jesus came to this earth for one thing: us. His humble birth, His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection were all for our salvation. The greatest gift of all is God Himself.
As we step into the new year, we carry with us the special memories of the past year. We are grateful for the times we’ve spent together, the friendships we’ve built, and the ways we’ve seen God work in our lives. We give thanks to our brothers and sisters and Christ who walk alongside us in our joys and in our struggles. We look forward to the new opportunities for fellowship, service, and growth that lie ahead.
Thank you to everyone who made this year at Hope so special—your dedication, service, and love have made a difference. We pray that God continues to bless our congregation and our community in the year to come. May we continue to grow in faith and love as we serve Him together.
Thank you to everyone who made this year at Hope so special—your dedication, service, and love have made a difference. We pray that God continues to bless our congregation and our community in the year to come. May we continue to grow in faith and love as we serve Him together.
God Bless,
Hope
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